South America’s largest sporting venue, Rio de Janeiro’s Maracanã, is among six Brazilian FIFA World Cup stadiums that have achieved LEED certification. The LEED Silver venue will play host to the final match in the popular tournament – in addition to the opening and closing ceremonies of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
“Even as the world’s top teams take the field, the venues themselves are also in the spotlight, demonstrating not only the worldwide applicability and adaptability of the LEED green building rating system, but also Brazil’s leadership position at the forefront of the movement to high-performing green buildings,” says Rick Fedrizzi, president and founding chair of the United States Green Building Council.
The original Maracanã stadium was completed ahead of the 1950 World Cup. Construction firm Odebrecht revamped the historic stadium for this year’s sporting event, which now includes features such as rainwater reservoirs, selective collection for waste and photovoltaic panels on the roof.
“The many green elements incorporated into these stadiums will reduce the environmental impact of the games on Brazil, from improved transit access to lower water and energy consumption,” says managing director of Green Building Council Brasil Felipe Faria.
In addition to the Maracanã, the five other 2014 FIFA World Cup stadiums that achieved LEED certification include:
- Castelao Arena in Fortaleza (LEED certified)
- Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador (LEED Silver)
- Mineirão in Belo Horizonte (LEED Silver)
- Arena da Amazônia in Manaus (LEED Silver)
- Arena Multiuso in Salvador (LEED Silver)
Photo credit: Rafa Bahiense on Flickr, via Creative Commons